Why are agri-food systems resistant to new directions of change? A systematic review

A central concern about achieving global food security is reconfiguring agri-food systems towards sustainability. However, historically-informed trajectories of agri-food system development remain resistant to a change in direction. Through a systematic literature review, we identify three research domains exploring this phenomenon and six explanations of resistance: embedded nature of technologies, misaligned institutional settings, individual attitudes, political economy factors, infrastructural rigidities, research and innovation priorities. We find ambiguities in the use of the terms lock-in and path-dependency, which often weaken the analysis. We suggest a framing that deals with interdependencies and temporal dynamics of causes of resistance. Finally, we discuss implications for framing innovation for transformational change and other research gaps.

Automated summary

The central concern of achieving global food security is the reconfiguration of agri-food systems towards sustainability. Historically-informed trajectories of agri-food system development resist change due to various reasons such as the embedded nature of technologies, misaligned institutional settings, and political economy factors. It is suggested to frame the issue with a focus on interdependencies and temporal dynamics of causes of resistance to overcome ambiguities and pave the way for transformational change.